Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

zhazz wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:42 pm Hope and Promises of Society

Through a masterwork of storytelling the nine feet wide five feet tall canvas comes alive with the pulse of history, depicting disparate fates to intertwine like the tendrils of destiny. Bathed in hues both vibrant and earthy, as if plucked from the very palette of nature herself the scenery depicted invites the beholder to descend into the verdant valleys and sun-kissed fields that sprawl across the lower reaches, where life teems in abundance. Here, amid rustic hamlets and bountiful farms, the heartbeat of existence resonates, as peasants and labourers toil with unwavering resolve, their spirits anchored to the soil from whence they came.

Ascending from this fertile earth, a tapestry unfurls, weaving a narrative of ascent that ignites the imagination. Witness along the leftward arc the humble beginnings of society's tapestry, where simplicity reigns supreme. Here dwell the salt of the earth, the farmers, cobblers, carpenters, teamsters, blacksmiths, drovers, and craftsmen whose calloused hands shape the very foundation upon which civilization stands.

Yet, with each brushstroke to the right, the canvas transforms, giving birth to towns and bustling marketplaces that pulsate with vitality. Cobblestone streets wind like ribbons of hope, coaxing with gentle caress to gaze into the heart of commerce where the merchants, landlords, performers, artists, fortune-seekers, and lesser nobility dance to the rhythm of prosperity.

At the zenith of this grand tableau, where the sun casts its golden embrace upon spires of grandeur, stand the cities, monuments, and castles of monarchs, dukes and baronesses, mayors, high priestesses, and pillars of society carried by deeds of grandeur and divine right passed down through generations. Here, amid opulent halls and manicured gardens, the elite dwell in splendour, their lives a symphony of luxury and privilege.

But beneath this veneer of majesty lies a truth woven into the very fabric of the painting - a truth of interdependence, of the symbiotic dance between the rungs of society. For in this masterwork of societal portraiture, each layer, each stroke of the brush, serves as a testament to the unity that binds all as one.

Even the humblest of saplings with tenuous beginnings in the hard-packed soil of a farmer's life grow high into the heavens. Their crowning canopies supporting the stone foundation anchoring the weight of marbled pillars upon which the golden terraces of high nobility eventually rest. And from there the rivers of opulence and excess flow ever downward, cresting the rooftops of bustling villages before scattering into golden droplets nurturing the lush meadows of a simpler life.

Thus the beholder is invited to gaze upon this masterpiece not merely as a painting, but as a testament to the resilience of the mortal spirit, to the ceaseless march of progress that transcends the boundaries of time itself. And in its vivid tableau, they might find not only beauty, but a reflection of a shared journey through the annals of history for all those seeking to make their mark upon the world, whether it be a tiny wave on the lake or a cacophonous shaking of the heavens.

-- Adrian Baker, 1360 DR

For his extraordinary service and dedication to House Vale, let it henceforth be known that Morgan Rhywm has been elevated to the House Council as Master of the Arcane.

House Vale is recruiting loyal retainers. In these troubling times, it is more important than ever that those who are able to stand resolute do so on behalf of those who are not. For those souls who wish to make a difference for the city of Baldur's Gate and its people, or if you are interested in investigating the recent spate of calamities, consider joining the ranks of House Vale.

House Vale is seeking to fill the following positions:

• Man-At-Arms: A Man-At-Arms serves as the House's last line of defense and holds authority over the House Guard. Shielded warriors are preferred, but any whose focus is defense will be considered. A Man-At-Arms can eventually ascend to the rank of Master of the Guard. Note that the position is not restricted solely to men.

• Knight-Errant: Knights-Errant act as the adventuring arm of the House and travel the roads to and from Baldur's Gate to keep the House apprised on matters outside the city. In this time of chaos across the coast, it is more important than ever that our eyes and ears stretch to distant places to broaden and coordinate intelligence with allied organizations. Knights-Errant can eventually be elevated to the position of Master of the Watch.

• House Magus: Magi of many stripes are invited to lend their expertise to House Vale. In return, House Vale offers shelter and protection from those who would do spellweavers harm. Pact mages must present evidence of their documented pact papers and be willing and able to describe the terms of their pact in detail. House Magi can eventually be promoted to Masters of the Arcane.

• Seeker: Although the Lord of the House is dedicated to Siamorphe, House Vale welcomes faithful of those good-aligned deities whose goals are compatible with the teachings of the Divine Right. Seekers serve as representatives of their faith within the House and can eventually be elevated to the position of Master of the Faith.

The above positions are not the only ones that need be filled. The House is also looking for those with talents in reconnaissance, oratory, diplomacy, the arts, administration, or other skills, consider House Vale for patronage. Criminals, faithful to malevolent deities and those already affiliated with other organizations need not apply. Leave word at the Vale Estate to setup an interview if interested. (//PM me or message me on Discord (ID: wangxiuming) )

DM Ink wrote: ↑Wed May 14, 2025 10:21 am

Lord Osric Vale,

The Council of Four has consulted about your earnest request. By decision of this mornings session, for your numerous deeds and continued allegiance to Baldurs Gate, you are trusted with the task of fortifying Ulgoths Beard.

However, the Council has received several reports of an ongoing, tainting malice in Ulgoths Beard, which corrupts the hearts and souls of even the most devout servants of light and justice.

Further, you are given permission to personally enter the ruins of Ulgoths Beard, as well as your escort. The Flaming Fist has already been notified and will allow you passage.

In the name of the Council of Four,

Quincy